Method and Apparatus for Resistance Training

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method of resistance training wherein two people work in cooperation with each other using their own muscles against one another to provides resistance using limited apparatus such that the entire body can be exercised.

TECHNICAL AREA

This invention relates to the area of exercise and training methods and In particular, to a method of resistance training which involves a pair of people working in cooperation with one another to train without weights.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In many sports, resistance training is used to increase the power, strength or muscle size of the athlete. Conventionally, to perform resistance training a person would employ the use of gymnasium type equipment. This equipment has provided different weights which provide resistance when a user is exercising or training a particular muscle group.

The disadvantage with this resistance training equipment is that, they tend to be bulky and expensive due to the large number of parts required to define the path of movement for a person's limbs as Well as providing the variable resistance to this movement. These problems have rendered such devices as impractical for use by many. Accordingly, a resistance regime which helps people to increase their power and agility, and is comparatively inexpensive and portable would be highly desirable.

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method and apparatus for resistance training which enables a pair of people to work in cooperation with one another to increase their muscular power, strength, power, tone and agility.

The invention provides a method of resistance training wherein two people work in cooperation with each other using their own muscles against one another to provide resistance using limited apparatus such that the entire body can be exercised.

It is preferred that a first apparatus may be a bar having a plurality of members located thereon which enable a person to grip the bar.

It is further preferred that the hand grips be rotating hand grips.

It is further preferred that the members be colour coded to indicate the correct positioning for each person to place their hands for various exercises.

It is preferred that a second apparatus may be a strap member with means to be held by a person at either end thereof.

It is further preferred that a third apparatus be a strap member having one end adapted to engage with a users leg.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non limiting example specific embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 Shows commencement of an upright chest press;

FIG. 2 Shows a continuation of the upright chest press;

FIG. 3 Shows a double cable row;

FIG. 4 Shows commencement of single leg extension;

FIG. 5 Shows second phase of single leg extension;

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a method of resistance training. The method of training involves a pair of people working in cooperation together to complete a variety of exercise activities or training regimes. It is envisaged that any number of people may work together to complete these activities so long as the principles outlined by the invention are followed.

The method of the invention provides a series of exercise activities, each of which is designed to target a particular muscle group, and is intended to work in a similar manner to that of weight machines or equipment. In this way, a user is able to train one or more muscle groups through completion of the exercise activities.

The method of the invention further includes a resistance means which does not involve the use of weights. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance means is the muscles of a second person being applied against the muscles of a first person. In order for there to be a sufficient resistance it would be necessary for the person applying the resistance to be of a similar strength or stronger than the other person. For both people to benefit when working as a pair it is preferable to have two people of a similar strength however, this is not essential as it is envisaged that the fulcrum of leverage can be adjusted to take differences of strength into account.

It is envisaged that the resistance may be variable to suit a person, with the first person being able to indicate to the second person what amount of resistance is desirable. In this way, a person is able to adjust the resistance for a tougher workout in a similar manner to the way they would when using a weight machine.

It also ensures that results can be achieved without overdoing the workout and risk damaging any muscles or ligaments.

The following exercises utilise minimal equipment as follows:

Upright chest press—exercises the following chest and abdominal muscles: Pectorals, Laterals, Anterior deltoid, Triceps & Abdominals, obliques.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 commence with partners facing each other. Feet placed shoulder width apart and front knee bent, back leg straight. This exercise helps to develop core stability as well as chest development.

Trainee 10 starts with wide grip on an elongate bar 30. Helper 20 takes a less wide grip. The bar is at chest height against trainee 10. Using a 3 second smooth move the bar is pushed away by the trainee with the partner resisting the move until trainees arms are almost locked straight. Resister can then push back giving trainee the opportunity to resist the movement in a negative direction developing strength in the direction.

This is a far more natural way to push as it uses the stability of the whole body. Bench presses give stability through lying on the bench rather than using ‘core’ muscles to stabilize. Trainees communicate the force they need to resist.

Double cable row_Muscles exercised—Latisimus Dorsi, Triceps, Trapezius, and Deltoids.

As shown in FIG. 3 The trainee and helper sit opposite each other with legs bent feet together for stability. This exercise utilises a cable 40 with hand grips 41 at either end. The trainee can start with the cables at arms length. The back for both trainee and helper is held upright throughout the movement and doesn't move at all. The trainee keeps their elbows tucked in close to their side and pulls towards them. The helper uses their muscles to resist the move.

The helper may pull back in the opposite direction when the cable handles are at the trainee's waist. Or they may bring the cable back to the starting point with minimal resistance. This is also a 3 second smooth move.

The width of the hands can be varied from narrow to wide in this exercise.

Single leg extension—Muscles exercised—Quadriceps.

This exercise can be performed both seated and lying.

Seated: trainee 10 sits on chair or bench. Helper is behind. Leg cables 50 are attached to the exercisers ankles by band 51 while the helper holds hand grip 52. The trainee nominates right or left leg to start with. The other leg remains still in a bent position with the foot flat on the ground. The exercised leg is flexed using resistance from the helper. The helper can be sitting on the ground or standing. End position is with the leg nearly straight but not locked out. 3 second smooth moves are performed on first one leg for the required number of repetitions and then on the other.

These exercises can be performed sitting, lying on the stomach or lying on the side.

Resistance can be varied throughout the movement especially increasing it during the last phase.

The exercise method of the invention utilises only simple apparatus in the form of a bar 30 having a plurality of grip members 31 located thereon which enable a person grip the bar. The bar may be made of metal or any other suitable material strong enough to withstand force and/or weight being applied to it.

In a preferred embodiment, the grip members are rolls of foam having central aperture which enables the bar to be passed therethrough. These members are allowed to move freely about the bar. The members may be made of plastics or rubber or any other suitable material which is comfortable for a person to hold and/or grip.

It is envisaged that the members may be colour coded to indicate the correct positioning for a person to place their hand(s) on the bar. For example to do a lateral pull-down a person might place their hands on blue coloured portions whereas to do triceps exercises they might place their hands on yellow or red coloured portions. Further, if one person had their hands positioned over a particular coloured portion, the other person would place their hands on a different coloured portion.

A second apparatus is a simple strap member having hand grip members at either end of the strap.

A third apparatus is another strap member with a hand grip at one end and a cuff at the other, this cuff being attachable to a person's leg.

The strap member can be made of any material so long as it is strong enough to withstand being pulled from either side without tearing. It is envisaged that to provide additional reinforcement and give added strength to the apparatus, there may be a double layer of the material which is fixed together in the middle portion and allowed to branch out at either end into a fork. The strap member may also adjustable.

In practice, a person teams up with a training partner who is able to provide them with resistance. Using either the bar apparatus, or the strap apparatus, the person then carries out exercises which correspond to each particular apparatus to train the different muscles groups in the body as previously described. The resistance is applied by the second person who pushes or pulls against the force that the first person applying, depending on the exercise they are carrying out.

In this way, a person is able to achieve the same resistance training they would using weight machines, without any weights or bulky machines. The first person is also able to instruct the second person so that the resistance being applied is comfortable and suitable to their needs, and they are able to achieve results without overdoing the workout and risk damaging any muscles or ligaments.

It is envisaged that the method of resistance training can have a multitude of applications including gymnasium instructors, sports coaches, personal trainers, schools, martial art academics, physiotherapists, old/disabled peoples' homes and for preventative or recovery health care.

It is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit variations in the features described. It is however envisaged that other embodiments of the invention will exhibit any number of and combination of the features previously described and it is to be understood that variations and modifications in this can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. 

1. A method of resistance training wherein two people work in cooperation with each other using their own muscles against one another to provide resistance using limited apparatus such that the entire body can be exercised.
 2. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 1 wherein the limited apparatus includes three components.
 3. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 2 wherein a first component is an elongate bar.
 4. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bar is provided with hand grip devices.
 5. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 4 wherein a second apparatus component is includes a strap member with hand grips at either end.
 6. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 5 wherein a third apparatus component includes a strap member having a hand grip member at one end thereof an a means of attachment to a wearer's leg at an opposing end.
 7. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 4 wherein the hand grip devices are colour coded to indicate the correct positioning for each person to place their hands for various exercises.
 8. A method of resistance training as claimed in claim 4 wherein the hand grips are rotating hand grips.
 9. A method of resistance training substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 